We love veterans. These brave men and women were willing to give their lives to defend us and our nation.

We love to hear the stories of people like Pearl Gummelt, who was a nurse in World War II, and honor them for their service. While Gummelt was not deployed, her work at Naval Medical Center San Diego saved the lives of many soldiers who were wounded and sent home after fighting in the South Pacific.

Nearly every generation alive today has faced a war, from the very few left from World War I and II up through Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and the more recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Every generation has its share of veterans.

And we encourage all of our readers to honor veterans this weekend by taking part in some of the many activities planned across the Crossroads. But the main event we encourage everyone to attend is, without question, the Veterans Day parade in downtown Victoria at 10 a.m. Saturday, followed by a ceremony on the steps of the Victoria County Courthouse at 11 a.m. featuring guest speaker District Attorney Steve Tyler, a former Army Ranger.

Veterans are an important group in America. Our nation would not exist, were it not for those who were and are willing to give their all to protect and uphold it. So we encourage everyone in the Crossroads to take the time to attend a Veterans Day event this weekend. After everything these people have given, after laying everything on the line, the least we can do is show up and let them know we care and appreciate their sacrifice.

We applaud all those who are organizing events for veterans this weekend, from the free lunches being offered after area parades to the floats and other acts of participation and appreciation being expressed. But most of all, we applaud our veterans. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. We hope this Veterans Day weekend is full of honor and love. After everything you have given, this is a time for others to give back. So thank you for everything. You are true American heroes.

This editorial reflects the views of the Victoria Advocate's editorial board.